Federal Government Responds to West Coast Corridor Resiliency Partnership

The mayors of the West Coast Corridor Resiliency Partnership (WCCRP) have received a response from the Office of the Prime Minister following their joint outreach regarding the
resilience and long-term security of British Columbia’s critical transportation and economic corridors.

The Prime Minister’s Office has forwarded the partnership’s correspondence to the Minister responsible for infrastructure for further consideration. The mayors welcome this positive step
and look forward to connecting with federal representatives to discuss how all levels of government can work together to strengthen infrastructure, emergency preparedness and local capacity that’s required to keep these nationally significant corridors safe and operational.

The West Coast Corridor Resiliency Partnership brings together the communities of Merritt, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope, and Princeton to advocate for resilient infrastructure, stronger
emergency capacity and reliable transportation connections across British Columbia.

The WCCRP also recognizes the importance of the federal government’s commitment to support flood mitigation planning for the Sumas Prairie. This collaboration is an encouraging example of governments working together, while reinforcing that more work remains to strengthen resilience throughout the broader transportation corridor.

Communities along these corridors understand firsthand how quickly a disaster can disrupt the movement of people, goods and essential services. While they host infrastructure that supports regional and national economic activity, many smaller communities do not have the internal capacity or financial resources required to prepare for, respond to and recover from major disasters.

The WCCRP mayors which includes Merritt’s Mike Goetz are advocating for a coordinated approach that recognizes the interdependence of communities and infrastructure across the corridor. Investments made in one location strengthen the entire network, while an unresolved vulnerability in any community can affect supply chains, public safety and economic continuity throughout British Columbia and across Canada.

Safety builds confidence. Strengthening the communities that support BC’s transportation corridors strengthens public safety, economic continuity and confidence in Canada’s supply chain network. The WCCRP mayors are also looking forward to presenting at the 2026 Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Vancouver on September 15.

The presentation will provide an opportunity to share the partnership’s work, highlight the experiences of corridor communities, and advance the need for sustained collaboration among local, Indigenous, provincial and federal governments.

For updates on the partnership’s federal outreach and upcoming work, visit Wccrp.ca.